Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Gainesville

Affordability in Gainesville, FL

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Gainesville is $1,296 and the median household income is $46,195 per year. With 62% of residents renting rather than owning, demand for affordable housing options in the city is significant.

Lease Lantern tracks 16 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Gainesville, covering 1,059 units across the city.

Safety

According to the Gainesville Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer data for 2024, Gainesville had a violent crime rate of 754 per 100,000 residents. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Gainesville

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Gainesville rates 69 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking and an exceptional 96 for biking -- reflecting the city's extensive bike infrastructure. No Transit Score is available from Walk Score for this area.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 52 schools across 2 districts serve Gainesville, including 22 elementary, 7 middle, 17 high, and 6 other schools. Ratings and options vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Renting in Gainesville, FL

The median household income in Gainesville is $46,195 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median monthly rent citywide is $1,296, according to the same source.

Affordable and income-based housing can make a real difference here. HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties set rents based on your income, not the open market rate.

• Median household income: $46,195/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,296/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of residents who rent: 62% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Gainesville is a majority-renter city, and income-based housing provides an important option for households who need rents tied to what they earn rather than what the market charges.

Environment & Flood Risk

All 16 HUD-assisted properties in Gainesville have been mapped for flood zone exposure. Of those, 2 properties fall within a high-risk flood zone, while the remaining 14 are not classified as high risk.